Device that uses electromagnetic polarization to improve audio cable sound quality

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus for improving sound quality in audio cables, including a plurality of equally spaced conductive discs separated by a gap and configured in a generally linear array, each of the discs having an annular shape with planar sides, an outer diameter, a center hole having a diameter, and a thickness. The disc array is placed around an audio signal cable such that the planar sides of the discs are oriented parallel to one another and perpendicular to signal cable axis. The spacing between discs is approximately four to ten times the thickness of said discs, and the disc diameter is between 2 and 4 times the diameter of the center hole.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/439,299, filed Dec. 5, 2016 (Dec. 5, 2016).

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OR PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates most generally to audio sound systems and devices that improve the performance of cables used for audio and video production or reproduction. The invention is more particularly directed to a device improves the performance of audio interconnects, speaker cables, video cables, and digital audio cables used to interconnect consumer and professional electronic components.

Background Discussion

It is well known that cables interconnecting audio systems can have a significant effect upon the perceived sonic performance of a system. There are many cables that are claimed to improve the sonic performance through the use of higher purity copper conductors, lower dielectric coefficient insulation, complex braided geometries, superior types of connectors, and even charged shielding to reduce dielectric absorption.

The physics of electromagnetic signal propagation through an insulated conductor is well known. The conductor for a signal cable provides a current path for an alternating current signal. The associated electromagnetic wave propagates not only through the conductor but also outside the boundaries of the electrical conductor itself. This EM field travels axially along the path of the signal wire. It is also well-known to physicists that that the EM field that surrounds the signal wire can affect nearby electrical conductors and circuitry through the principles of induction and capacitive coupling. Further, it is understood that electromagnetic fields from other conductors and electronic components external to the signal wire can affect the signal traveling through the wire.

In embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a device that interacts with the EM field generated by a signal traveling through a signal wire. The invention improves the sonic performance of the cable by modifying the behavior of the electromagnetic wave that surrounds the signal cable.

While the theory of operation is currently under investigation, there is evidence that the apparatus functions as an electromagnetic polarizer. As the electromagnetic wave propagates down the cable the conductive discs employed in an embodiment of the inventive device interrupt the surrounding EM wave. Since the conductive discs are oriented perpendicular to the cable and thus perpendicular to the EM wave direction of propagation, it is theorized that the discs block an EM wave that propagates parallel to the cable, as would be case with a longitudinal wave. An EM wave that travels perpendicular to the cable would be termed a transverse wave and would tend to pass through the invention since the discs are oriented generally normal to the signal cable in a spaced apart array. Accordingly, the discs have gaps (typically air gaps) between them which allow the signal to pass through. In the simplest terms, the invention blocks longitudinally oriented EM waves while passing transversely oriented EM waves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a device includes several conductive discs of specific dimensions. The discs are arrayed in a manner that they are individually oriented perpendicular to the cable's axial orientation and are arrayed such that they are equally spaced from one another along the axial line of the cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view in elevation showing an embodiment of the inventive device disposed on a conductor;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a single disc, which corresponds to an end view of the device comprising an array including a plurality of spaced-apart discs, shown here without the conductor; and

FIG. 3B is a side view in elevation thereof.

GLOSSARY/DEFINITIONS

Transverse waves: Transverse waves displace the medium perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.

Longitudinal waves: Longitudinal waves displace the medium parallel to the propagation of the wave.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3B, there is shown an embodiment of the inventive device. The device uses electromagnetic polarization to improve sound quality in audio sound cables. It includes several conductive discs 10 of specific dimensions. The discs are configured in an array 12, in an equally spaced apart relationship to one another, and they are oriented perpendicular to the axial orientation of the signal cable 14 along the axial line of the cable.

Disc Material, Shape, and Dimensions:

The discs may be made from any of a number of suitable conductive metals, such as copper, silver, brass, aluminum or any other generally conductive metal. Alternatively, they may be made from a semi-conductive material such as carbon, impregnated silicon or any other semi-conductive material. Each conductive disc is annular, i.e., preferably circular, having an outer diameter 18 and an interior diameter 20 defined by a center hole 22 through which the signal cable may pass through the entire disc array.

The thickness of the disc 24 is also important to the performance of the invention. Generally, performance is best when the thickness of the disc is thin relative to its other dimensions. However, there are practical limitations in that discs too thin can bend and deform easily. Furthermore, discs not uniformly flat will cause a loss of performance. Therefore, the stiffness or rigidity of the discs is also an important consideration. Extensive experimentation with various thicknesses of materials indicates that a disc between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm strikes a good balance between the desired rigidity and thinness sufficient to provide good performance characteristics and good electromagnetic polarizations properties.

The diameter of the conductive discs is also important to the performance of the invention. A disc of small diameter relative to the diameter of the cable will not perform well since the EM wave can tend to flow around the disc and therefore perform poorly in its polarizing effects. And there is a practical limit to the diameter of the disc, because an excessively large diameter would make the cable unwieldy and difficult to use or install. Extensive experimentation indicates that a disc with a diameter at least two times the diameter of the cable to which it will be attached is preferred for good performance. For example, a signal cable 10 mm in diameter calls for conductive discs having a diameter of at least 20 mm. Discs of greater diameter improve performance. However if disc diameter exceeds four times the diameter of the associated signal cable, the performance improvement drops off. Empirically, the ideal disc diameter has been shown to be directly dependent upon and associated with the diameter of the specific signal cable to which it will be attached. Good performance can be achieved using a 2:1 rule, where the disc diameter is approximately twice that of the signal cable outer diameter. An interconnect cable with a diameter of 12 mm, for instance, calls for discs 24 mm in diameter.

As will be readily appreciated, the discs are shaped much like a conventional flat washer, with planar sides 26.

Disc Orientation and Interval Spacing:

FIGS. 1-2 show a plurality of equally spaced discs 10 disposed in an array on and around a signal cable 14. The interval spacing 16 between discs and the total number of disc is important to good performance of the invention. The discs should be separated by an air gap or other insulator. In the views the gaps are shown with an air gap only, but the selective inclusion of a dielectric material should be understood. When the gap between the discs is zero or when the discs are in direct contact with one another the invention becomes ineffective. Accordingly, there must be some gap between discs. Experimentation indicates that a gap of approximately four (4) times the thickness of the disc provides good performance, while a ratio of 1:10 provides still better performance. For example, if the discs are 0.4 mm in thickness, then the gap size between the discs is ideally set at 4 mm.

The overall length of the device array is also important to good performance. Further the number of discs and the inter-interval spacing of the discs are important to the performance of the invention. Discernible results can be achieved with as few as four discs and a corresponding array length of only aboutl6 mm. However, optimal performance can be achieved with an array of 28 discs and a correspondingly overall length of about 70 mm. The collection and spacing of the discs in the array may be maintained by using adhesives on dielectric spacers between the discs, or by packaging or by various clamping means.

Mounting and Location of the Invention on a Signal Cable:

The signal cable must pass through the disc array. The invention should be mounted near the source end of the signal cable for maximum effectiveness, although it has a discernible effect when mounted anywhere along the length of the signal cable. The disc array must be mounted in such a manner that the discs (i.e., their respective planar surfaces) are parallel to one another and such that the array of discs is perpendicular to the axial direction of the cable.

Moreover, there should be no electrical connection or contact between any of the electrical conductors within the signal cable and the conductive discs of the array.

The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like. 

What is claimed as invention is:
 1. An audio cable electromagnetic polarizer, comprising a plurality of equally spaced conductive discs separated by a gap and configured in a generally linear array, each of said discs having an annular shape with planar sides, an outer diameter, a center hole having a hole diameter, and a thickness.
 2. The polarizer of claim 1, wherein said discs are made from a conductive material selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, brass, and aluminum.
 3. The polarizer of claim 1, wherein said discs are made from a semi-conductive material.
 4. The polarizer of claim 3, wherein said semi-conductive material is carbon or impregnated silicon.
 5. The polarizer of claim 1, wherein said disc thickness is between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm.
 6. The polarizer of claim 5, wherein said disc diameter is between 2 and 4 times the diameter of the center hole.
 7. The polarizer of claim 1, wherein the gap between said discs is approximately four to ten times the thickness of said discs.
 8. The polarizer of claim 1, wherein said array includes between four discs and 28 discs.
 9. The polarizer of claim 1, wherein said planar surfaces of adjoining discs in said array are parallel to one another.
 10. The polarizer of claim 1, wherein the gap between said discs is approximately four to ten times the thickness of said discs.
 11. A method of improving audio cable sound quality, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of equally spaced conductive discs separated by a gap and configured in a generally linear array, each of the discs having an annular shape with planar sides, an outer diameter, a center hole having a hole diameter, and a thickness; and placing the array of conductive discs around an audio signal cable such that the planar sides of the discs are oriented parallel to one another and perpendicular to signal cable axis.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the disc array is mounted such that the planar sides of the discs are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the cable axis.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein there is no contact between any electrical conductors within the signal cable and the conductive discs of the array.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the discs in the disc array made from a conductive material selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, brass, and aluminum.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the discs are made from a semi-conductive material.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the disc diameter is between 2 and 4 times the diameter of the center hole.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the gap between the discs is approximately four to ten times the thickness of the discs.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the disc array includes between four discs and 28 discs. 